Dr. Abejide Olusegun
“Being independent of the Matrix is the way to escape it.” — Edward Griffin.
These thought-provoking remarks highlight how vital it is to overcome systemic reliance on authoritarian systems—systems that control and direct the lives of countless individuals in the name of governance. One must be self-sufficient to effectively oppose tyranny. You are not free—you are owned—if the government you want to hold responsible for your food, clothing, housing, education, employment, healthcare, and retirement controls all of these things.
Ancient and modern history both show us that no government should have absolute control over its people’s lives. If a government can supply everything, it can also take everything away from people. The core of our contemporary predicament, especially in Africa, is this, my dear friends. The continent’s crippling reliance on foreign political systems, inherited ideologies, and the legacy of colonial manipulation are the reasons it is still chained, not a lack of resources or intelligence. This fact was well known to our ancestors. They exercised governance in ways that were firmly anchored in their spiritual worldviews, beliefs, and surroundings.
In addition to being workable, systems such as those in the Benin and Oduduwa empires also demonstrated progress and balance. These institutions placed a strong emphasis on responsibility, transparency, and community—qualities that are presently largely lacking in African governance.
The contemporary political structures in Africa are remnants of colonialism. Our operating structures and constitutions were imported, not created. They are simply altered versions of foreign philosophies, even when they seem to have been created by Africans. This explains why so-called democratic administrations on the continent consistently fall short of expectations.
Consider Nigeria. Remorse follows every election cycle as voters bemoan having once again selected the “wrong” leader. But there are problems with this story. It is not only about the people who are elected; it is also about the structures that surround them. Failure is guaranteed when a leader operates within an incompatible or corrupt system, regardless of how visionary they may be. Despite his best efforts, President Tinubu is unable to achieve the expected outcomes. Why?
Due to the fact that he operates within a framework that was never intended to serve Africa, compare this with Obafemi Awolowo’s experience in Western Nigeria. His success resulted from enacting policies based on Omoluabi values—integrity, communalism, and responsibility—rather than by imitating colonial rule. Western Nigeria was able to thrive socially, commercially, and educationally thanks to this indigenous method. The Yoruba people are still proud of such heritage, which supports their current campaign for regional autonomy.
Other countries around the world have successfully mapped out comparable routes. Once impoverished compared to many African nations, South Korea adapted its political and economic growth to suit its unique cultural setting. After World War II, Japan rebuilt by integrating political modernization with its traditional ideals of discipline, honor, and group responsibility rather than by adopting Western democracy in its entirety. Under Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore prioritized principles that aligned with Asian identity, such as meritocracy, discipline, and cultural pride. These countries achieved success by embracing their heritage and incorporating what works into their social structure, rather than by imitating the West. Africa needs to take note of this.
The idea that Western democratic systems hold the key to redemption must be abandoned. Rather, we must create an Afrocentric government paradigm that respects our history, takes into consideration our reality, and maintains responsibility. The current democratic system is unsustainable and ineffective, as evidenced by its costly elections, divisive party politics, and foreign-funded institutions. Leading the way in this political revival must be the African Union, ECOWAS, and regional blocs. African countries should work together to develop systems that are tailored to their particular requirements rather than acting as pawns in Western geopolitical games. Instead of coming from foreign think tanks that do not appreciate or comprehend African situations, policies ought to be based on the people’s actual experiences. Above all, we need to retrain our people.
The idea that everything should be provided by the government has been instilled in far too many Africans. Because it fosters entitlement and dependence, this way of thinking is problematic because it makes room for authoritarianism. Self-reliance is the first step toward true freedom. Our people must learn to view themselves as creators of their destiny rather than as perpetual beneficiaries of government assistance. Young people in Africa are already setting the path for the future. The continent is teeming with talent and ambition, from financial breakthroughs in Nigeria to educational reforms in Rwanda to agritech firms in Kenya. But for these initiatives to succeed, the political environment needs to change. Governments need to shift from dominance to cooperation, from control to support. It is time to start challenging the structure of our government rather than focusing solely on the leadership.
Leadership frequently fails in Africa because of structurally faulty institutions rather than just personal shortcomings. Even the most earnest leaders will deliver corrupt and ineffective results when the system is imperialist, exploitative, and elite. We must push for new governing structures as well as new political faces if we genuinely desire improvement. An effective substitute would be a return to regional governance systems, like those found in pre-colonial Africa and Nigeria’s post-independence regionalism. Depending on their priorities, cultures, and capabilities, regions could advance at their rate.
Resetting the political narrative might also be aided by the release of figures like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It would convey the idea that modern governance is characterized by communication and inclusion rather than repression. The colonial mentality that stifles protest rather than addressing its underlying roots is reflected in his arrest. Africa’s political reform must be based on justice and reconciliation.
In summary, leaving the Matrix necessitates altering systems rather than just leaders. It requires bravery, creativity, and a strong sense of self-determination. Africa needs to regain its independence, not just from other countries but also from foreign ideologies. Let us create systems that uphold our cultural norms, represent our beliefs, and benefit our citizens. Let us create an Africa guided by the vision of its youth and the wisdom of its forefathers, not by foreign ideologies. Then and only then can we be free. Then we can get up.
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